The guys up at SillyFab are going to start on the frame stretch real soon... i am excited!!
The new RCI fuel cell should be in this week, and it'll mount out the back of the rear frame extension. It'll fit up tight and nice out of the way and protected.
The 14 bolt rear is geting 5.38 gears and a Detroit in it from Jaws gearing in Sacramento, that was suggested from Phil @ SillyFab.
I've got my eyes on a 2004 4.0 HO Jeep engine... it has about 10k miles on it.. [brand new!], and comes with all Electronic Fuel Injection, exhaust, computer, and wiring harness... it'd be perfect! But we'll see what happens..
I'm starting to be concerned with my transmission and transfer case setup... i'm wondering if I should go to a NP 205/203 doubled up twin stick setup... for ultra low crawling gear... I don't know yet... still thinking on that.. Need to test drive it first..
I'm having a difficult time finding a Front Dana 60 Passenger Drop axle... they are like finding gold out here... rare, and too expensive for my budget buildup. So right now i've got a D44 with 5.38 gears and a Detroit locker, 8 lug outers, high steer. That'll work and be fine for now.. i may have to upgrade to Cromoly shafts for the front D44... we'll see, whenever it breaks.
The SuperSmurf is coming together really nicely...
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Well... i've finally realized... Rocks would be STUPID on this project... not enough horsepower, and not enough frame... one day.. i will have rocks on something possibly. BUT, i have a new plan.
SO.. i recently purchased a 14 Bolt Full Float Axle that I'm going to use on the CJ5. I'm looking for a Dana 60 Front.. but, may have to settle with a Dana 44 Front for now.... the search is still on for the front Dana 60.
I have also purchased and am installing power steering, and hydraulic assist.
The ultimate plan:
Frame: Stretch the CJ5 Frame to 109+ inches. Reinforce the Frame by squaring where necessary.
Axles:
Rear: 14 Bolt FullFloat, 5,38 Gears, Welded Spool, shaved to 13 bolt for clearance.
Front: Dana 60, 5.38 Gears, Detroit Locker,
Brakes: Disc
Wheels:
Recentered H1, beadlock wheels, 8 lug.
Tires: 38-40" TBD
Steering: Hydraulic assist, power steering
Suspension: SOA w/ 4" lift total 9" lift
Winch: mounted front TBD
Onboard Air: TBD
SO.. i recently purchased a 14 Bolt Full Float Axle that I'm going to use on the CJ5. I'm looking for a Dana 60 Front.. but, may have to settle with a Dana 44 Front for now.... the search is still on for the front Dana 60.
I have also purchased and am installing power steering, and hydraulic assist.
The ultimate plan:
Frame: Stretch the CJ5 Frame to 109+ inches. Reinforce the Frame by squaring where necessary.
Axles:
Rear: 14 Bolt FullFloat, 5,38 Gears, Welded Spool, shaved to 13 bolt for clearance.
Front: Dana 60, 5.38 Gears, Detroit Locker,
Brakes: Disc
Wheels:
Recentered H1, beadlock wheels, 8 lug.
Tires: 38-40" TBD
Steering: Hydraulic assist, power steering
Suspension: SOA w/ 4" lift total 9" lift
Winch: mounted front TBD
Onboard Air: TBD
Friday, January 23, 2009
Rocks on the brain
So I'm at a breaking point..... I shake my head, and all I can hear are rocks banging around...
On my SuperSmurf CJ Project I have to get new axles... but do I go for a Dana 60, a 14 Bolt Full Float 10.5" ring gear, or ..... [insert trumpets sounding here]... 2.5 ton Rockwells.
I have this superhero fantasy thought in my mind of the 2.5 ton Rockwell axles. Every offroad vehicle i've ever seen them on, has gotten my respect immediately.. just as soon as you see that very specific rockwell axle profile. Whenever I see them, I automatically think "Wow, this vehicle rocks! [pun intended]".
They're stout axles, superior clearance, and just gosh darn COOL. I get all giddy just thinking about the idea of getting Rockwells for my SuperSmurf CJ project. They require a WHOLE different approach to suspension, breaking, weight, wheels, driveline, etc. But... they are ROCKWELLS.. I don't know why I'm infatuated with them.
They are extreemly heavy axles... almost 800 lbs each, and for my application of use, would be bullet proof. Most people say, don't run rockwells unless your tires are > 42 inches . But, tht's the enticing part of it.. if i'm only going to run 38s... I probably will have a difficult time grenading something or breaking... I don't want to engineer something to "just work", i'd rather it be over engineered to not worry. I think the rockwells are that solution.
One of the many problems though, is their 69" width... It's going to make my CJ look awfully awkward.... but.. it's a trail rig... WHO cares? It would be a stocky smurf... a big shoed, bulldog of a smurf. The SuperSmurf would then get it's REAL super characteristic of, the Rocks.. :)
I started out looking Dana and 14 bolt axle options... but... i think i'm going to end up with Rockwells... It would put the "Super" in SuperSmurf. Gimmicky... Cheezy... Catchy...
all great qualities of a fun offroader! :)
On my SuperSmurf CJ Project I have to get new axles... but do I go for a Dana 60, a 14 Bolt Full Float 10.5" ring gear, or ..... [insert trumpets sounding here]... 2.5 ton Rockwells.
I have this superhero fantasy thought in my mind of the 2.5 ton Rockwell axles. Every offroad vehicle i've ever seen them on, has gotten my respect immediately.. just as soon as you see that very specific rockwell axle profile. Whenever I see them, I automatically think "Wow, this vehicle rocks! [pun intended]".
They're stout axles, superior clearance, and just gosh darn COOL. I get all giddy just thinking about the idea of getting Rockwells for my SuperSmurf CJ project. They require a WHOLE different approach to suspension, breaking, weight, wheels, driveline, etc. But... they are ROCKWELLS.. I don't know why I'm infatuated with them.
They are extreemly heavy axles... almost 800 lbs each, and for my application of use, would be bullet proof. Most people say, don't run rockwells unless your tires are > 42 inches . But, tht's the enticing part of it.. if i'm only going to run 38s... I probably will have a difficult time grenading something or breaking... I don't want to engineer something to "just work", i'd rather it be over engineered to not worry. I think the rockwells are that solution.
One of the many problems though, is their 69" width... It's going to make my CJ look awfully awkward.... but.. it's a trail rig... WHO cares? It would be a stocky smurf... a big shoed, bulldog of a smurf. The SuperSmurf would then get it's REAL super characteristic of, the Rocks.. :)
I started out looking Dana and 14 bolt axle options... but... i think i'm going to end up with Rockwells... It would put the "Super" in SuperSmurf. Gimmicky... Cheezy... Catchy...
all great qualities of a fun offroader! :)
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